Page 15 - Envision - May June 2020

CLOSED: COVID-19

CLOSED: COVID-19
CLOSED: COVID-19 CLOSED: COVID-19 CLOSED: COVID-19 Interview

CLOSED: COVID-19

As you know, MIDO is the reference point
for the global eyewear business and an
important contributor to the economy of
Italy. Considering the almost 60,000
presences and 1,323 exhibitors at the 2019
MIDO, one can easily understand the scope
of loss for the industry worldwide. This was
such a difficult decision but we had to be
pragmatic. I thank MIDO’s team for helping
me make this decision. We worked non-stop
and I don’t believe we could have dealt with
this crisis better than we did. We had a major
responsibility to help keep everyone safe.
Looking forward to February 2021, MIDO
can play a fundamental role in the recovery
of the global eyewear industry, by giving
everyone the opportunity to present their
products and meet with international
partners and potential clients, creating an
alliance between exhibitors and visitors in a
climate of renewed confidence.

E: WHAT’S YOUR BEST GUESS FOR WHAT THE ‘NEW
NORMAL’ WILL LOOK LIKE FOR THE EYEWEAR
INDUSTRY?

GV: Things will change for sure. There will
be new methods of getting together and
sharing information. Trade shows will still
play a major role because you need to build
relationships, and also see and touch the
product. However, there will be a dramatic
boost for digital ways of getting together,
sharing ideas, viewing items, discussing
and enjoying the world of eyewear. Digital
synergy will lead to new projects, both in the
production and retail areas.
E: IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO TELL
OUR READERS?
GV: Just a few words about our countries.
The business relationship between the
Italian industry and the Canadian market is J.F. Rey CANADA
solid and long-standing. I very much hope Tél : (514) 481 9980 S/F : 1 877 369 7774
that commercial activity in Canada restarts
as soon as possible. Canadian visitors have
always participated in MIDO and we look
E
forward to welcoming them back in 2021. n

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